Passenger Plane and US Army Helicopter Crash into Potomac River, Leaving Dozens Dead
A tragic mid-air collision in Washington, DC, has left the nation in shock as a passenger plane carrying 64 people crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a US Army helicopter. The devastating incident occurred on Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, prompting a large-scale emergency response and an immediate investigation by federal authorities.
The Collision and Impact
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the passenger jet, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines under American Airlines flight 5342, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington DC. As it approached the airport at around 21:00 local time (02:00 GMT), it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the US Army, which had recently taken off from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris and smoke filling the dark winter sky. The impact caused both aircraft to spiral into the icy waters of the Potomac River. The passenger jet reportedly split in half, while the helicopter was found upside down in the river.

Search and Rescue Operations
Rescue teams braved freezing temperatures and dangerous ice floes as they combed the Potomac River for survivors. Emergency services deployed over 300 responders using rubber boats and specialized diving teams. So far, 18 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, but officials warn that the death toll could rise.
“The conditions are incredibly challenging,” said Washington DC Fire and Emergency Services Chief John Donnelly. “The combination of wind, ice, and freezing water temperatures makes this a very dangerous operation for our teams.”
Authorities have set up a makeshift command center near the crash site to coordinate search and rescue efforts, with hopes of finding additional survivors dwindling as hours pass.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Several eyewitnesses shared chilling accounts of the collision. Ari Schulman, who was driving on the George Washington Parkway, described seeing the plane bank sharply to the right, its belly illuminated by sparks.
“It looked like a giant Roman candle streaking across the sky,” Schulman said. “You knew something was horribly wrong.”
Jimmy Mazeo, dining at a park near the airport, said he saw what appeared to be a “white flare” followed by a loud crash. “At first, I didn’t think much of it, but then emergency vehicles just kept coming. That’s when we knew it was bad.”

Investigation Underway
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the collision. Initial questions focus on air traffic control procedures, weather conditions, and the flight paths of both aircraft.
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences in a statement, saying, “May God bless their souls. We are monitoring the situation closely. Thank you to the incredible first responders for their brave work.”
On his TruthSocial platform, Trump questioned how the incident could have occurred, calling it a “bad situation that should have been prevented.”
Vice President JD Vance echoed the President’s sentiments, calling for prayers for the victims and their families. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy vowed to conduct a comprehensive review of flight safety measures near Ronald Reagan Airport.
“We will take appropriate action if necessary,” Duffy said. “A full investigation will uncover the facts and guide future safety protocols.”
American Airlines and Public Response
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a heartfelt video message expressing sorrow for the tragedy. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families affected by this horrific event,” Isom said. “We are cooperating fully with the investigation and doing everything possible to support the families of those lost.”
The airline has grounded all Bombardier CRJ700 flights as a precautionary measure pending the investigation.
National Mourning and Reflection
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief across the nation. Social media has been flooded with messages of condolences, prayers, and support for the victims and their families. The Potomac River, once a scenic backdrop for Washington DC, now serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of air travel.
A Call for Improved Safety Measures
As investigations continue, experts are already calling for a reassessment of air traffic safety protocols near Washington DC’s busy airspace. The close proximity of military and commercial flight paths has long been a concern for aviation authorities.
“This incident underscores the need for greater vigilance and coordination between military and civilian air traffic,” said aviation analyst Mark Peterson. “We need to ensure something like this never happens again.”
The Path Ahead
As the nation mourns this devastating loss, authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth behind the collision. Families of the victims await answers, and rescue teams continue their search in the unforgiving waters of the Potomac.
In a time of heartbreak and uncertainty, Washington DC stands united in grief, resilience, and the determination to learn from this tragedy to ensure safer skies for all.